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Along with signing new advertisers, the company also reported strong same-store sales in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Japan.

In the US, same-store sales far outpaced overall e-commerce growth. According to comScore, overall e-commerce increased by 15 percent¹ in the US in the second quarter of 2012 while same store sales in the Rakuten LinkShare network increased by 29 percent year-over-year for the same period.

The Rakuten LinkShare network also reported a significant increase in newly signed or launched brands and new publishers across all geographic markets including the US, Canada, UK and Japan. More than 100 brands were signed in the second quarter along with thousands of new publishers.

The newly signed brands represent significant commission opportunities for publishers across a broad range of product categories including apparel, luxury, electronics and other consumer goods.

“Joining the Rakuten LinkShare network was a strategic decision as we seek to expand our online presence and drive more sales through the affiliate channel,” said Matt Wilkerson, co-founder and vice president of corporate development, AHAlife.com. “As we gear up for what we believe will be another record-breaking holiday season, the Rakuten LinkShare network will be a key part of our strategy for achieving our objectives.”

With consumers becoming more comfortable buying from online retailers based in other countries, advertisers are increasing their investments in global e-commerce and expanding their reach to include a broader set of publishers. Rakuten LinkShare will continue to accommodate advertisers’ and publishers’ needs by expanding its network and entering new markets.

“Online retailers are now finding new customers and driving sales around the world,” said Yaz Iida, chief executive officer, Rakuten LinkShare. “As consumer trends and tastes become more global, part of our mission will be to help advertisers and publishers create new partnerships in new markets as they increase their global e-commerce capabilities.”

About Rakuten LinkShare Corporation
Rakuten LinkShare Corporation (linkshare.com) provides e-commerce businesses with a vast, high quality pay per action marketing network, along with expert consultative services and patented technology. Rakuten LinkShare's cost-efficient pay per action (PPA) affiliate marketing network, search marketing programs and lead generation campaigns acquire new customers, increase revenue and drive results. Rakuten LinkShare clients are Fortune 500 and prominent companies doing business online, including J.C. Penney, 1-800-Flowers.com, American Express and Avon Products. Rakuten LinkShare was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in New York City, with offices in San Francisco, Chicago, Tampa, London and Tokyo.

About Rakuten
Rakuten, Inc. (JASDAQ: 4755), is one of the world's leading Internet service companies, providing a variety of consumer- and business-focused services including e-commerce, e-reading, travel, banking, securities, credit card, e-money, portal and media, online marketing and professional sports. Rakuten is expanding globally and currently has operations throughout Asia, Western Europe, and the Americas. Founded in 1997, Rakuten is headquartered in Tokyo, with over 10,000 employees and partner staff worldwide. For more information, visit: global.rakuten.com/group.

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